The OCWB is still under development as of August 2026. Check back for updates.
Water Bank Goals
Protect
Protect Local Water Rights from Relinquishment
Retain
Retain and Manage Water Rights Locally
Maintain Land Value
Conserve
Promote the Conservation of Water
Balance Water Allocation Between Out-of-Stream and In-Stream Needs
Sustain
Ensure the availability of water rights to sustain local agricultural viability and continued economic growth within the County for domestic, municipal, commercial and industrial uses
Mitigate
Provide suitable mitigation for new uses in administratively regulated basins (e.g., Methow, Okanogan, and Columbia River basins)
Foster an Equitable Water Market
Okanogan Conservation District & Okanogan County
The OCWB is co-managed by the Okanogan Conservation District and Okanogan County
The Conservation District is invested in promoting sustainable use of water for agriculture and preserving water locally to maintain the viability of agriculture in Okanogan County into the future. The Conservation District side of the OCWB will provide leases for mitigation of seasonal irrigation and other agricultural uses.
Click the link below to learn more and see if you are eligible for leasing water for agricultural use.
Okanogan County is seeking to establish the OCWB as a part of their responsibility under the Washington State Growth Management Act and the goals of their County Comprehensive Plan, to provide water for rural growth and ensure that new housing developments have access to water. The County’s side of the bank will provide mitigation for year-round uses including rural domestic, municipal, non-agricultural industrial and commercial uses.
Click the link below to learn more.
Water Bank Map
This map shows the approximate mitigation eligibility area (Trust Reach) for water rights that the OCWB is in the process of acquiring. Zoom in or search your address to see if your property may be eligible for water. Mitigation eligibility is determined on a project-specific basis. Fill out the Mitigation Intake Form to learn if your project might be eligible.